Page 27 of Blood Illusions

I nodded, hoping Dad was really here and alive.

CHAPTER TEN

Damon and I headed over to Justice. Equinox bent his head as if he had no fear and nibbled on the grass. Justice slid off the pegasus and glanced at our weapons.

He met my gaze and sighed. “You don’t have any enemies here,” he told me with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

“So you say,” I muttered.

Justice patted Equinox one more time, then turned to us. “Your father’s inside. Follow me.”

He led us to the front door and unlocked it. We followed him inside, and I couldn’t help but gasp. It was a stark contrast to the rugged mountain landscape outside. The moment we stepped through the door, the interior unfolded into an expanse of luxury that caught me off guard.

I was getting a glimpse into how the other half lived.

The entryway opened into a grand living room, its large windows framing the breathtaking mountain views like living artwork. The sunlight streamed in, illuminating the polished hardwood floor and casting a warm, welcoming glow over the plush, earth-toned sofas arranged invitingly around a stone fireplace. Despite the opulence, the place had a comfortable, lived-in feel, as if meant to be used and enjoyed rather than simply admired.

Damon took in the grandeur with a raised eyebrow and a slight whistle. “Well, this is a far cry from the dingy motels we’re used to. Dad must have felt like he was living like a king.” His voice mingled sarcasm with genuine appreciation.

As he walked through the grand living room, Damon ran a hand over the back of a plush sofa. “I could get used to this. Beats sleeping in the Fairlane.”

I sighed, wishing my family had something like this. Being hunters, we saved people, but living in luxury wasn’t one of the benefits.

Damon peered out the picture window and paused for a minute. “Nice touch with the mountain view. Always did appreciate a room with a view, especially when it doesn’t include a neon sign.”

“You and me both,” I mumbled.

I wandered into a spacious kitchen and admired the ultra-modern appliances and gleaming countertops, with an island in the center that seemed perfect for gathering. Dad hadn’t updated any of our appliances since the ‘70s. This place was heaven. There was plenty of space for cooking and for people to sit at the counter. Something I’d always wanted.

Damon opened a cupboard or two, checking out the contents. “State-of-the-art kitchen, huh? I hope you’ve got a fridge stocked with more than health food. A man can’t live on kale alone.”

Greens weren’t on Damon’s pyramid of foods.

“This is all fancy as hell.” He slammed the cupboard shut. “But you know what’s missing?”

Justice’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What?”

“Our dad. Where is he? Is he even here?”

I followed Damon’s gaze. “Justice?”

Justice gritted his teeth. “Such a trusting lot. I’ll fetch him. He spends most of his time in our library.”

“I think Mr. Fancy led us on a wild goose chase,” Damon remarked. “Be ready. He’s probably going to wake the nest and tell him breakfast is here.”

I ran my finger over the smooth granite countertop. “I’ve never seen a nest this fancy. Have you?”

He shrugged. “There’s a first time for everything.” He still held his sword.

I hadn’t sheathed my dagger, either.

I couldn’t help but look down the hallway where Justice had gone. There were doors leading to what I assumed were bedrooms and the library.

Justice rushed back down the hallway. “He’s gone.”

Damon raised his sword over his head. “Not the right thing to say, bloodsucker.”

Justice darted out of the way as he swung his sword. “Wait, he left something. It had your name on it.” He held up a leather-bound book.

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